Has the lack of snow got you bummin’ ? Frustrated with the ice-fishing? Well forget about outdoors and warm-up for the Minnesota RollerGirls Hook, Line and SinkHer event on Saturday February 4th!

Gather your friends (and even your family) and head to Roy Wilkins Auditorium (St. Paul) to watch some classic flat track roller derby!
If you are new to the derby scene and are clueless about what to expect don’t worry, all the rules will be explained ahead of time and soon you’ll be on the edge of your seat cheering with the best of em’!

Minnesota RollerGirl’s “All- Stars” vs. Iowa’s “Old Capitol City Roller Girls”

Half time show by The Bratwurst Brothers (house polka band).

If you’re already giddy just reading about this event then be prepared to be down right ecstatic when you learn about the FREE T-SHIRTS ! Be there early (doors open at 6:30pm) ; the first 200 derby fans will get special limited edition Minnesota RollerGirls t-shirts!!

Interested in getting a black eye?!? For a dollar you can make a pit-stop at the Black eye booth for your very own shiner (kids get em’ for free)!!

The Important Stuff:

Saturday, February 4th

Doors open at 6:30pm (bout starts 7:30)

Roy Wilkins Auditorium (directions)

Tickets and Parking please click here for the details

After Party If you want to congratulate your favorite derby girl, roll on over to O’gara’s and enjoy the continued fun … did someone say Karaoke?!

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, and what better way to celebrate than a romantic dinner for two surrounded by gorgeous flowers? On February 12th, 13th, and 14th, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo will be hosting a romantic three-course gourmet dinner for you and your sweetheart in each of its three featured gardens.

The lavish dinner will be catered by Lancer Catering, and will consist of a salad, a double entrée (a vegetarian option is available), a dessert, and two glasses of wine and coffee you both you and your loved one. Live musicians will play while you feast on the delectable meal and gaze deep into your beloved’s eyes.

Space for the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Enchanted Evening is limited, so make reservations ahead of time by going to the Como Zoo Conservatory’s website. You can also make your reservation by calling (651) 487-8250. Make sure to note whether or not you want the vegetarian entrée when you make your reservations. The Enchanted Evening is priced at $165 per couple, but a portion of that cost is tax deductible.

Show your sweetie how romantic you can be this Valentine’s Day. It is sure to be a night he/she won’t soon forget.

More info at www.comozooconservatory.org/news/treat-your-sweety-to-a-valentine’s-day-dining-experience.

Como Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 487-8201
http://www.comozooconservatory.org

Loppet-lovers, listen up! The City of Lakes Loppet is almost here! On Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th, get out of the house and join the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation City for two days of loppet-filled festivities.

Wait, so what exactly is a “loppet”? A loppet is loosely defined as “any long endurance race or athletic event which occurs across varied terrain.” Cross-country skiing is the name of the game, and as for the terrain? The beautiful and (currently!) snow-dusted trails around and near Lake of the Isles.

Highlights include a snow sculpture contest, several fun and challenging Loppet races (including shorter courses for children), and a “Luminary Loppet” featuring a beautiful night-time ski around Lake of the Isles, lit up with thousands of ice luminaries. And don’t forget to take a break from the festivities and enjoy good food and beverages at the Surly Beer and Vendor Village (hours vary by day).

For a full listing of events and course maps, visit the City of Lakes Loppet event page.

Get your loppet fix and join the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation as they celebrate winter in Minnesota (now that it’s finally here!) with the City of Lakes Loppet.

Like City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation on Facebook
Follow @Loppet on Twitter

The mission of the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is to promote and support cross country skiing in the Minneapolis area. The organization has three focus areas: events, programming and trails. Visit www.loppet.org for more information.

Are you ready to take the plunge? The Polar Bear Plunge, that is! Beginning this Saturday, January 28th in White Bear Lake – with various “Plunge” event dates running through March – the Minnesota law enforcement proudly presents the Polar Bear Plunge. As its name suggests, the Polar Bear Plunge requires taking a quick dip in frigid waters. So why on Earth would anyone want to jump in a freezing lake in Minnesota in the middle of winter? Bragging rights, and, more importantly, the opportunity to benefit a wonderful program – Special Olympics Minnesota.

Registration is required to participate, and each participant must raise a minimum of $75 prior to taking the plunge. Join a team, grab a friend, or go it alone – just make sure to register! Many Minnesotans have taken the “Plunge” over the past 15 years; join their ranks, earn bragging rights, and support a great cause. Jumping into freezing water never felt so good.

The Polar Bear Plunge events have been growing in popularity, with each year bringing in larger and more generous donations.

In 2011, over 11,000 Polar Bear Plunge participants raised over $2.2 million for Special Olympics Minnesota. 2012 will see the addition of another Plunge site, totaling 16 locations throughout Minnesota.

Although participants are only required to raise $75 per person to participate, the average Plunger raised $192 in 2011!

Okay, so jumping into a freezing cold lake might not be for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the festivities. Show your support and make a donation by sponsoring a “Plunger” or by donating directly. For more information on making donations or sponsorship, check out the Polar Bear Plunge FAQ page.

Registration for the White Bear Lake Polar Bear Plunge is currently closed. If you are interested in participating visit the Polar Bear Plunge location page for a complete listing of upcoming “Plunge” event dates and locations.

Polar Bear Plunge website: http://www.plungemn.org/

Like the Polar Bear Plunge on Facebook.
Follow @PlungeMN on Twitter.

Ezra Jack Keats’ Caldecott Award-winning children’s book, The Snowy Day

Join library volunteers for a StoryWalk™, and read the book page-by-page as you walk with family and friends along the scenic paths of Como Park and Phalen Lake. Afterward, warm up by a cozy campfire.

Sunday, January 29 2:00 to 3:30pm at Como Park (begins at Fire Rings on Horton Avenue).
31 County Highway 27
St. Paul, MN

Sunday, February 19 2:00 to 3:30pm at Phalen Regional Park (begins at Lakeside Center parking lot).
1530 Phalen Blvd.
St. Paul, MN

The Snowy Day celebrates 50 years in 2012. First published in 1962, it has been considered the first full color picture book to feature an African American boy as the primary character.

For more information, visit the City of Saint Paul website or connect on Facebook and Twitter. Programs are subject to cancellation for extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow, zero degree temperatures (including wind chill), and unsafe driving conditions. Check your local news if the weather is questionable.

StoryWalk™ is brought to you by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, and the Saint Paul Public Library. The original StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

To quote Stella’s Words of Wisdom, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will still prefer to be given a fish.” Fortunately at Stella’s, there’s plenty of fish (and lobster, king crab, and oysters, steak, ribs and pasta) to go around.

The options are practically endless here: happy hours early and late, nightly specials (namely Lobster Lovers Sunday and Crab Lovers Thursday), seating at the oyster bar, the liquor bar, downstairs and upstairs dining rooms, or channel your inner Tom Collichio and book the kitchen table. In season, enjoy On Top of Stella’s for the city’s best rooftop deck, book a corporate event, join the Big Tuna Club to get special perks for birthdays and anniversaries.

Online: http://stellasfishcafe.com
On your mobile: http://stellasfishcafe.com/mobile
Call: 612-824-TUNA or book a table online.
Like Stella’s Fish Cafe and Prestige Oyster Bar on Facebook.
Follow @Stellasfishcafe on Twitter.

Hours of Operation:
Sun. thru Thurs. 11:30am to 1am, kitchen open till 11pm
Friday & Saturday11:30am to 2am, kitchen open till 12:30am
Lunch Served Daily
Dinner Menu Starting at 4pm

Conveniently located in Uptown (view map):

Stella’s Fish Cafe
1400 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408

1/23/2011 – Get 50% off Whole Maine Lobster Dinner for Four at Stella’s at http://bit.ly/365dealstork

Face it, February in the northern latitudes can be dreary and bland. White snow, gray skies, lifeless trees. Where do you go to get a desperately needed pop of color to satisfy your weary eyes?

How about a sky filled with brilliant silks in hues of red, blue, yellow, pink and orange? As in hot air balloons of every color of the rainbow?

Make plans to attend Hudson Wisconsin’s Hot Air Affair the weekend of February 3-5. In addition to multiple opportunities to view balloon launches and a twilight torchlight inflation, there will be geocaching, fireworks, a chili cook-off, a 5k run, craft shows, live music, and a parade featuring the event’s “Year of the Dragon” Chinese New Year theme.

Visit hudsonhotairaffair.com for a complete listing of events, schedule, activities, and sponsors.

Like Hudson Hot Air Affair on Facebook.
Follow @hotairaffair on Twitter.

EP Rock School
340 13th St S
Hudson, WI
Map and Directions (bottom of the page)

Hudson, Wisconsin is just a few minutes east of the Twin Cities on I-94. Just cross the St. Croix river and you’re there!

Since 1990, The Hudson Hot Air Affair is the premier winter ballooning event in the Midwest. Thousands of visitors head to the St. Croix Valley in west central Wisconsin to see about 40 colorful hot air balloons launch in mass ascensions on Saturday and Sunday mornings and light up the night at the Saturday evening Moon Glow or Field of Fire.

Looking for mile-high style? Check out the Aurora25 Trunk Show and Vault Denim Sale at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing on Friday, January 20th for unique fashions inspired by CAF Aircraft. Presented by Twilight Soaps & Gifts, the trunk show runs from 4 to 8pm.

You will feel good about adding style to your wardrobe as a generous 50% of each piece of the Aurora25 line sold at the show will benefit the CAF Museum.

The designer, Amy Lauria, describes the line as “represent(ing) my love of natural beauty from
growing up in Alaska and my love of WWII Aircraft and what they represent.” (To get the full
story on the inspiration behind the Aurora25 line, read Aurora25 Collection: Ready to Launch).

Admission to the CAF Museum is free. Check out what the Aurora25 line has to offer, tour the
museum and view the aircraft while enjoying snacks and beverages.

Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
310 Airport Road Hangar #3 Fleming Field
South Saint Paul, 55075
Phone: 651-455-6942
http://www.cafmn.org

Not sure where the Commemorative Air Force – Minnesota Wing is? Check out this handy map.

Like Twilight Soaps & Gifts on Facebook
Like the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing on Facebook

A typical night out on the town can be less than intellectually stimulating. If you crave cerebral conversation with your cocktails, join Bryant Lake Bowl once a month for Café Scientifique, described as a “happy hour exchange of ideas about science, environment, and popular culture featuring experts from a variety of fields on diverse and often provocative topics.”

Presented by the Bell Museum of Natural History and BLB Theatre, Café Scientifique is designed to educate and stimulate conversation on a variety of scientific phenomena in a casual atmosphere. This month’s topic? Between Earth and Sky: Indigenous Star Lessons from Turtle Island.

It’s easy to forget how amazingly beautiful the night sky is with the city’s light pollution muting the stars’ scintillation. And as you may remember from high school science class, the night sky appears differently across locales. As Minnesotans, we experience and understand the night sky in ways that differ from other sections of the globe. Dakota science educator Jim Rock and Bell Museum Planetarium Education and Outreach Coordinator Sally Brummel will enlighten attendees on how Minnesota natives see and understand the night by using the Bell Museum’s new ExploraDome program.

Café Scientifique hosts Between Earth and Sky: Indigenous Star Lessons from Turtle Island on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:00 pm (doors at 6:00 pm).
Tickets: $5-$12 (pay what you can)
Purchase tickets online at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling (612) 825-8949

Next month’s (February’s) topic: Cosmic Catastrophes: Apocalypse When? Visit the Bryant Lake Bowl website for more information on upcoming Café Scientifique topics.

Bryant Lake Bowl
810 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 825-3737
http://www.bryantlakebowl.com

Like Bryant Lake Bowl on Facebook.
Follow @BryantLakeBowl on Twitter.

If you are a fan of permanent art, check out the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention happening this weekend at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Minneapolis.

Running from Friday, January 13th through Sunday, January 15th, the 2012 Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention will feature over 200 tattoo artists showcasing their talents, suspension acts, live music, contests for best tattoo and more! 

Whether you are looking to show off your own body art, add to your epidermal collection, or are just curious about the world of tattooing, the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention is a great place to meet renowned artists and immerse yourself in tattoo culture. For more information on this event, check out the details below.



Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention

Show Times


Friday, January 13: 2pm – 12am

Saturday, January 14: Noon – 12am

Sunday, January 15: Noon – 8pm



Tickets Prices


$20 per day $40 for the weekend

Children under 12 are free

Tickets are only sold at the show



Got a sweet tat? If so, enter it in the tattoo contest! There will be daily tattoo contests with a variety of categories including best portrait, best traditional tattoo, most unusual, best tattoo of the day and more. For more information on contest registry, visit Tattooed Kingpin’s Tattoo Contest page.



Click this link for a listing of tattoo artists attending this year’s Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention.



Several informational seminars will also be held during the convention on Saturday, January 14th. For more information – including seminar topics and registration information – visit Tattooed Kingpin’s Seminar page.



*For all other information please call 1-800-541-8239 or email tattooedkingpin@yahoo.com



Like Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention on Facebook.

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 370-1234